Have you ever wondered if you might have adrenal fatigue? If you experience difficulty getting up in the morning, inability to handle stress, regular and unexplained fatigue, cravings for salty foods, mild depressive feelings, trouble sleeping, overuse of stimulants like caffeine, and/or a weakened immune system, you might be in need of some adrenal support. Accomplishing this naturally with essential oils and supplements is ideal, and the Clearly Essential team has some great recommendations for you!
A little background ...
The adrenal glands are a part of the endocrine system and are located above the kidneys. They are responsible for producing a variety of hormones including adrenaline and the steroids aldosterone and cortisol. The body's response to stressful situations is based in part upon a correct balance of these hormones and steroids.
One function of these hormones is your body's "fight or flight" response. If confronted with an angry bear, you will have a surge of hormones that propels you to either punch the bear in the nose or run away. This response can save your life, but if your body begins recognizing all stimuli as being an angry bear, those hormones begin to wear your body down.
Lifestyle is important to adrenal health, and dōTERRA's Wellness Pyramid gives a great
visual for understanding the foundational steps toward a healthy lifestyle. Ensuring an appropriate response to stress; getting good nutrition, sleep, fresh air, and sunshine; and eliminating toxins are important for addressing adrenal health. In addition to these lifestyle habits, essential oils and natural supplements can provide a powerful way to improve the function of the adrenal glands.
Oils and Blends for Adrenal Support:
Lavender is widely used for its calming and relaxing qualities. It helps to ease feelings of tension and can help to promote a restful night's sleep. You can add to bath water or apply to temples and back of neck, or take it internally to reduce anxious feelings and promote peaceful sleep.
Rosemary helps to reduce nervous tension and occasional fatigue. Diffused, it can help maintain concentration. Try mixing it with Lavender for stress reduction.
Frankincense is known as the "King of Oils." It promotes healthy cellular function, feelings of relaxation, and balanced mood. It's also warming and soothing. Try 1-2 drops of Frankincense in capsules or in a carrier oil or unscented lotion.
Clove has powerful antioxidant properties and is invigorating. Try diluting it, then applying over the adrenal area in the morning and evening.
Basil is known to promote mental alertness and lessen anxious feelings. It's also great for a sense of focus. Try mixing with Wintergreen and a carrier oil, then rub on the back of your neck for a stress-relieving experience. Also try diffusing it for a sense of relief at the end of the day. Dilute and apply over the adrenals morning and evening.
Elevation promotes feelings of confidence and self-worth, lessens feelings of stress, elevates mood and promotes vitality. Dilute and apply often to support the adrenals. Many experience the best result when applying Elevation to the back of the neck or over the carotid arteries.
Patchouli also promotes feelings of being balanced and grounded. Dilute and apply topically or diffuse.
Petigrain brings balance to your body's systems, including the adrenals and cardiovascular system. Research shows that it improves the body's immune system responses when one is under prolonged stress. It can be applied topically over the adrenals and taken in capsules.
Slim & Sassy is often helpful for managing hunger and maintaining a healthy weight, but it is also great for promoting a healthy metabolism. (The endocrine system and adrenals both affect metabolism as well.) This blend can lift your mood and boost your energy. In addition to taking the oil or softgel internally, also try diluting and applying over the adrenals. The new Slim & Sassy Metabolic Gum would also offer fantastic support.
Whisper and Immortelle both contain oils (including Rose) that can help to calm, sooth, and balance the body and soul.
Balance and Serenity, used singly or in combination, promote a soothing and relaxed feeling when facing stress.
The Emotional Aromatherapy blends are especially helpful if one's adrenals need support due to a particular issue. For example, during times of grief and sadness, you might use Console. If you are feeling less than optimistic, you might try Cheer or Motivate. If you are feeling "wired and tired," Peace can help you to wind down and relax.
All of the Citrus oils, especially Lemon, Wild Orange, and Bergamot, are especially helpful when diffused. Lemon and Wild Orange also have tremendous benefits on the body when a drop or two is added to pure water and consumed several times daily.
Supplements to Support Adrenal Function:
LLV (Lifelong Vitality) offers great supplemental nutrition that provides the body with the correct balance of vitamins and minerals for overall health, including mental clarity, brain function, and cellular energy. Take as directed daily.
Mito2Max supports healthy energy levels, increases mental energy, boosts mitochondrial function, improves stamina, and promotes healthy circulation. Take as directed daily, especially during times you need a boost.
Also consider AromaTouch Technique and the dōTERRA Cleanse Protocol to promote overall wellness and adrenal health.
If you'd like an additional resource that includes research, a personal assessment tool, and practical application information, visit Living the Essential Life, a website founded by Gold Wellness Advocate Kay Sharpe. She personally deals with adrenal fatigue and has developed materials that are available to purchase for personal or class teaching purposes: http://livingtheessentiallife.com/downloads/adrenal-fatigue/
The battle to restore and rebuild adrenal health can feel long and arduous, but hope and help are available. Please share your testimonial if any of these recommendations help you or if you find other natural solutions that support your adrenals.
